The Spirit and Soul of
Horses: An Interview with Lara Baeriswyl
by Gina McKnight
All photos copyright (c) Lara Baeriswyl
No duplication without permission.
In the idyllic town of
Düdingen, Switzerland, where the rolling hills and verdant pastures echo with
the gentle whispers of nature, resides the prodigious equine fine-art
photographer and artist, Lara Baeriswyl. An award-winning visual storyteller,
Lara’s journey into the world of photography and artistry is as captivating as
the subjects she immortalizes through her lens.
With a profound passion
for horses that transcends mere hobby, Lara possesses an uncanny ability to
encapsulate the very essence of equine majesty, fusing her creative genius with
an innate understanding of these noble creatures. Her work isn't just admired;
it has been showered with accolades, such as her triumph at the 2023 SPC Photo
Awards in Zurich, where her mesmerizing piece "Dancing in the Dust,"
featuring the stunning Haflinger gelding "Mikado," received
well-deserved recognition.
Since embarking on her
professional path in 2024, Lara’s oeuvre has consistently mesmerized audiences
far and wide. Her creative process is deeply intertwined with her life, shared
with her partner and two beloved cats in her charming hometown. Among her
equine muses, the young Franches-Montagnes gelding named Cantico holds a
special place in her heart.
Through the enchanting
visuals she crafts, Lara invites us into a world where the spirit and soul of
horses are rendered with breathtaking clarity, compelling viewers to see beyond
the surface and into the profound bond between human and horse. Join us as we
delve into an engaging conversation with Lara Baeriswyl, exploring the depths
of her artistry, her inspirations, and the meticulous process of creating works
that resonate with such poignant beauty.
Welcome, Lara!
GM: Lara,
Congratulations on your accolades! What first sparked your passion for
photographing and painting horses?
LB: I've had a passion
for horses since childhood. They have been an anchor for me as a shy and not
very self-confident person and I was spending my free time at the stable. I
remember seeing beautiful photos of horses on a blog and thinking to myself: I
want to learn how to do that!
GM: How do you go about
revealing the 'soul' of a horse in your art? Is there a particular process or
mindset you adopt?
LB: I'm always
interested in the stories of horses. I observe their natural behavior and
capture photos at just the right moments, rather than posing them the way I
want. Every horse is unique, and I'm genuinely interested in getting to know
their character and story.
GM: Could you share the
story behind one of your most memorable awards? What did it mean to you
personally and professionally?
LB: I’ve only won one
award so far, but it’s motivated me to keep striving for more. The photo that
won was of a Haflinger dancing gracefully through the smoke—a shot I created
during a phase when I was experimenting with smoke in my photography. It was
for a Swiss photo contest, and I remember thinking, 'Why not give it a try?'
Honestly, I didn’t think I had a chance. When people hear someone is a horse
photographer, their first reaction is often, 'Oh, cute, horses,' as if it’s not
serious art.
In the contest, there
were different prizes—three decided by public votes and one chosen by the jury.
To my amazement, my photo won the jury prize! It was such a surprise and, at
the same time, an incredible reward for all the effort and passion I’ve poured
into my photography.
GM: How would you
describe your artistic style, and how has it evolved over the years?
LB: I would say that my
artistic style is moody, nostalgic, unique, and artsy. I feel like I’ve truly
found my style over the past two years. In the beginning, it was less bold than
it is now. These days, I love trying new things and experimenting.
GM: What are some
unique challenges you face when working with horses compared to other subjects?
LB: I often notice that
horse owners have certain expectations and end up putting too much pressure on
themselves and their horses. But it could be such a fun and relaxed experience
instead!
GM: Living in Düdingen,
Switzerland, how does the natural landscape and culture influence your work?
LB: I live very close
to the Alps, which influences my work a lot. I love visiting herds in the Alps
during the summer and simply spending time with them, observing and taking
photos. It is really inspiring and grounding at the same time.
GM: Do you have a
personal connection with the horses you photograph and paint? How does this
relationship impact your art?
LB: I feel a connection
with every horse I photograph—some more than others. It’s hard to put into
words; it’s just a feeling. That connection definitely influences my art. The
Haflinger in the award-winning photo I mentioned earlier was like a muse to me.
His owner is a good friend, and I always knew that if I had new ideas or wanted
to try something different, I could count on her. Many of my favorite photos
were of him.
There was something
about his presence that sparked my creativity. His beauty and wisdom inspired
me in ways I can’t fully describe. Sadly, he passed away last year, which was
heartbreaking.
GM: What
specific techniques or tools do you use to achieve the fine art quality in your
work?
LB: I use a Sony a7R IV
and a Sigma 135mm F1.8—a fixed lens—as well as Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop.
I’ve created my own presets (reusable settings), which I use most of the time..
GM: What exciting
projects or themes are you planning to explore in the near future?
LB: I'm planning my
first creative photography retreat this spring in Spain. This year, I’ve also
made it my goal to focus on my own creative projects—doing more things on my
own and exploring what I truly want to pursue.
GM: What advice would
you give to aspiring equine photographers and artists who want to capture the
beauty of horses as you do?
LB: Practice as much as
you can. It might sound cliché but learn the rules like a pro so you can break
them like an artist. Try not to compare yourself too much.
Connect with Lara…
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